New York

This country girl made it to the big city---and back.

It was a long day (almost 24 hours straight) but it was a fantastic time with friends.


Most of us have kids--all of us have other responsibilities--and it was so nice to take a day to just hang out and have fun. The group we had was a great mix of personalities and we really had a blast. Some of the girls I have known for a while, a couple I really just met that day.


I really never got all that tired, but my back sure did hurt by the end of the day (I am sure spine-jarring bus ride to and from did not help). I was thankful that no one begrudged having a pregnant chick wandering around with them the whole day--and they usually insisted on carrying my backpack, too, even when I protested that I was fine. (By the last half hour, though, I didn't protest the help!)


I even got to meet one special friend. She and I met in an online forum about four years ago and just hit it off. We both have kids that swim and had a lot of other little things in common. We had chatted online and on the phone, but this was the first time we met in person. The internet is a strange place--and there are some pretty neat friendships that can be formed that would never happen any other way.

One of my favorite things about NYC was the contrast between old and new that could be found all over the city. This church (St Paul's Chapel) was built in 1766, and is located right next to Ground Zero. This was the place rescue workers would often go to pray and rest after 9-11.

Just a "little" refreshment mid-day.
Hey, it was a long day with lots of walking.
And I am pregnant.
And I really only ate about half of it--no, really!

But that ham and pineapple pizza was amazing--big globs of ricotta cheese topped the pizza, too.

I love this photo!! And I love this person! I really could not ask for a better friend that Cheryl. I loved that my camera caught her just right jumping in Times Square.

I did not jump. It isn't generally recommended during pregnancy anyway, but after all the walking we had done that day, I am pretty sure I would have had the baby right there if I had attempted to jump. And although we had a labor and delivery nurse in our group, I doubt that she (or anyone else) wanted to have to demonstrate her skills.

I could definitely spend a few days in NYC--I still want to have time to wander through Central Park and see a show on Broadway and do some of the touristy things. I would love to see Ellis Island, especially since I suspect my great grandparents might have come through there.

I cannot wait to go back. It was a wonderful place to visit, but I must say I am very thankful for my quiet farm and less-hectic pace. It was nice to get home and curl up in my bed next to my Handsome Engineer without the sounds of honking and traffic (although cicadas and crickets aren't exactly quiet!). And it was wonderful to have the Bits come destroy the morning solitude by "cuddling" with us in the morning. Nothing says family more than lots of wild curly hair smothering hugs and kisses and giggles.